The Mechanism of Migraine
What is happening physiologically if a migraine headache happens? It turns out the origin of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a bit above the spinal cord, but below the cortex of the brain. The migraine “control center” in the brain stem emits signals to the blood vessels lining the brain, requesting these blood vessels to dilate and expand. In the process, pain signals are sent returning to the “control center”.
Migraine Compared to other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are generally one-sided, with concomitant nausea, decrease of appetite and vomiting. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Compare this with the ordinary tension headache, which is distributed over the entire head. Moreover, the routine headache isn't as severe as a migraine headache. Migraine is best described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Different Types of Migraines
There are regular migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines commence with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras go on approximately 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and maybe a temporary loss of vision. You could feel a burning or curious prickly feeling, and maybe feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine doesn't involve an aura. A common migraine begins more slowly than a classic migraine and the pain may only be unilateral. However, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and could interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
Migraine Symptoms
The following is an incomplete listing of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Significant pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulties in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (usually unilateral)
Migraine attacks often recur, and the symptoms will differ from person to person.
Alternative Treatmnents
A few non-traditional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy in addition has been used with success. Magnetic therapy leads to increased electrical activity in the brain. This steps up neural conductivity which then stimulates in the brain the secretion of the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin controls moods and depression tendencies. Magnetic therapy treatment typically involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural treatment technique includes employing an ice pack on the back of the neck close to the base of the skull. This reduces the flow of blood to the head, resulting in diminished pressure in the head. Make sure there is a barrier between the ice pack and the skin, for example a wet cloth.
Certain herbal remedies have been utilized. These include feverfew, chamomile, valerian, white willow and skullcap. These following supplements also should help individuals suffering from migraines:
- Coenzyme Q10
- Magnesium
- Multivitamins/multi-minerals
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B2
To conclude, some further remedies include extra magnesium in one's diet, regular physical exercise, and relaxation techniques like yoga or transcendental meditation. Recently, a new form of migraine treatment called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has been developed. TENS sends a mild shock of electricity, preventing the body from receiving migraine pain signals.
Migraine Triggers
Some environmental triggers seem to produce a migraine attack. These triggers include some foods, stressful lifestyles, and exposure to bright lights or loud sounds. Commonly, a few foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG might induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can also trigger migraine headaches. The reason why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can lead to migraines is the presence of amines that act on the vascular system by causing venal constriction through release of catecholamines.
Migraine Treatments
There is a broad range of treatments for migraines. They vary from medications similar to the triptans (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan) to consuming healthful foodstuffs, to precluding certain stressful lifestyles to relaxation techniques. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy at this moment exists.
Certain prescription medications are able to ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Migraine Complications
A large amount of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Should migraines are left untreated, however, they may induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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